Boss Ruben Amorim contends that switching Man Utd's formation due to public pressure would have meant "the finish" for him.
For the first time against Newcastle, Amorim abandoned his trademark three-at-the-back setup with wing-backs and opted to deploy an orthodox four-man defense shielded by two holding midfielders.
He himself conceded this ultimately became a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his team clung on for a victory - securing just their second clean sheet of the season.
Although he once memorably remarked that not even the Pope could force him to tweak his system, Amorim asserts the capacity to play with alternative formations has remained part of his plan.
However, he clarifies he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would seem as if he was bowing to external pressure.
"At the time I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood perhaps I lacked the players to perform effectively in a back three, but it was the start of a process," he commented.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Currently is a different time. We are missing a full complement of players, and we need adjust, so they understand the reason we are making changes.
"This isn't because of the pressure of journalists, or the supporters.
"When you discuss altering the system all the time, I can't change because the players will believe I'm changing because of you and I believe that is the downfall for the manager.
"When we are getting results in our system, then is the opportunity to change.
"We are going to become a stronger side because when our full complement of personnel are available, we are not intending to play with a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Loom Large
Having just two victories in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is arguable whether Amorim is accurate to claim his team have been in good form.
He is, however, operating with a severely stretched squad, with seven senior players already ruled out for the upcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That number will rise if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at half-time.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, despite the fact he is reportedly pushing his boss to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring injury.
"Bruno is already telling me he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to play against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will almost certainly continue to be heavily involved, as while most injured players watch matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the entrance of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to carry on providing insight.
"He is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He must not be the type of player that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's constantly speaking. That's why he's the captain.
"There are flaws at times - the way he moves his arms - but he has a lot of strengths. After he finishes treatment, he heads to watch the rest of the squad practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I don't know if he desires my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Return Timeline for Injured Personnel
While the precise date for Fernandes' return - and that of other injured stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unclear, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
